“Mom, if something hurts again, I’m going to tell you immediately.”
I kissed the top of her head.
“Good.”
“And if someone tells me not to?”
I looked at her reflection.
“Then you tell someone who can help.”
She smiled.
“Okay.”
Epilogue: The Night I Finally Understood
Almost a year later, Sadie celebrated her sixteenth birthday.
She wanted a small party at home.
A few friends came over. My sister brought a cake. The kitchen was filled with laughter and music.
Curtis sent a birthday card.
Sadie read it privately and put it in her drawer.
She didn’t throw it away.
She didn’t rush to forgive him, either.
That was her decision.
Later that night, after her friends had left, she sat beside me on the couch.
“Mom?”
“Yes?”
“Do you remember the night you found me on the bathroom floor?”
I nodded.
“I remember everything.”
She leaned against my shoulder.
